Unique structure of the marine green macroalga Codium fragile (IMAGE)
Caption
Using cryogenic electron microscopy, Osaka Metropolitan University scientists found that siphonaxanthin of C. fragile is greatly distorted and forms hydrogen bonds with the surrounding protein at two locations. The researchers also clarified several chlorophyll molecule substitution sites. When the substitution occurs, the adjacent region of chlorophyll b clusters becomes wider, enabling more efficient absorption of blue-green light. These structural features allow C. fragile to better utilize blue-green light for photosynthesis.
Credit
Ritsuko Fujii, Osaka Metropolitan University
Usage Restrictions
News organizations may use or redistribute this image, with proper attribution, as part of news coverage of this paper only.
License
Original content